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INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENTS

INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENTS. Brent Wilton Deputy Secretary-General International Organisation of Employers. International Framework Agreements. Negotiated by a Global Union federation and an MNE Purports to cover the MNE’s operations around the world

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INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENTS

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  1. INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORKAGREEMENTS Brent Wilton Deputy Secretary-General International Organisation of Employers

  2. International Framework Agreements • Negotiated by a Global Union federation and an MNE • Purports to cover the MNE’s operations around the world • Nearly 70 of them – primarily European MNEs • Earliest late 1990s • Built on dialogue models common In European Works Councils

  3. International Framework Agreements • Are regarded by trade unions as industrial relations instruments • Not always seen as that by companies • Public relations • Informal communications • Statement of principles • Global Compact companies commonly approached

  4. International Framework Agreements • Content can vary but usually includes • Incorporation of core ILO standards • ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work • Union recognition provisions in operations worldwide • Linkages to suppliers

  5. International Framework Agreements • Affirmation of UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights • Health and Safety • “Fair” competition / “reasonable” working hours • New areas being included • Training rights

  6. International Framework Agreements • Global Unions see IFAs as: • Useful re communication with affiliates allowing them to recoup influence • Having a multiplier effect through supply chains • Having a “locomotive” effect with competitor companies • An industrial relations approach • Aid to membership growth

  7. International Framework Agreements • Signatory companies see IFAs as: • Helping develop better trade union relationships • A tool to help deepen dialogue • A communication rather than industrial relations tool • Reinforcing existing company approaches • Helping overcome “issues” before they become crises • Improve company image on key issues of concern to stakeholders

  8. International Framework Agreements • Key issues: • Should not be seen as a public relations issue • Legal status uncertain • Who signs / who is bound • Ability to commit suppliers • Term of agreement; Renewal? • Referencing of labour standards

  9. International Framework Agreements • Key issues: • Relationship to national law / national situations • Language usage – vague / uncertain • How does the IFA fit into a company’s industrial relations strategy? • Minority / multiple unions-status / multiple union IFAs? • Sectoral push – now emerging

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